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| BOROUGH OF CHATHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT |
| Traffic Safety Unit |
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Motorized Skateboards
Motorized skateboards, whether powered by gas or electric motors, are illegal when operated on the roadways, sidewalks, or public property in New Jersey. Many municipalities also prohibit their operation through local ordinances.
These vehicles, commonly known as "go-boards" are classified as motor vehicles under the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Laws, N.J.S. 39:1-1, which states: "Motor vehicle" includes all vehicles propelled otherwise than by muscular power, excepting such vehicles as run only upon rails or tracks and motorized bicycles.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has further defined these "go-boards" as motorcycles under N.J.S. 39:1-1 which states: "Motorcycle" includes motor bikes, bicycles with motors attached and all motor-operated vehicles of the bicycle or tricycle type, except motorized bicycles as defined in this section, whether the motive power be a part thereof or attached thereto and having a saddle or seat with driver sitting astride or upon it or a platform on which the driver stands.
These vehicles are legally defined as motorcycles, albeit small ones, under the laws of New Jersey. Under current New Jersey law, these vehicles cannot be registered because they lack fundamental safety equipment. The manufacturer warning label placed on many of the vehicles stating that the vehicle is not in compliance with federal law and are not to be operated on public roadways supports this fact.
Operation of these vehicles on the roadways, sidewalks or public property of this state could result in the operator being cited for operating an unregistered and uninsured vehicle and the impoundment of the vehicle. If the parents purchase one of these vehicles and allowed an unlicensed driver to operate their vehicle they could face a charge of allowing an unlicensed driver to operate the vehicle under N.J.S.39:3-37-1.
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| Safe Bicycle Riding in New Jersey |
- A bicycle is not a toy, it's a vehicle
- Wear a helmet- it's the law. Never ride a bicycle without a helmet. Head injury is the most serious injury type and the most common cause of death among bicyclists.
- Bicycles should be seen and heard. Rides should wear light / reflective clothing and your bicycle should be equipped with a horn or bell.
- Avoid biking at night. New Jersey law requires that bicycles be equipped with a white light on the front and a red light on the rear when in use during nighttime hours.
- Go with the flow, ride on the right side of the road with traffic.
- Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals.
- Use caution at intersections.
- Make sure your bicycle is in good working order and properly adjusted.
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Safety tips |
Provided by NJ Department of Law & Public Safety
Division of Highway Traffic Safety
www.njsaferoads.com
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Proper Child Safety Seat Use Chart
Buckle Everyone. Children Age 12 and Under in Back!
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INFANTS |
TODDLER |
YOUNG CHILDREN |
WEIGHT |
Birth to 1 year
at least 20-22 lbs. |
Over 1 year and
Over 20 lbs.-40 lbs. |
Over 40 lbs.
Ages 4-8, unless 4'9''. |
TYPE of SEAT |
Infant only or rear-facing convertible |
Convertible / Forward-facing |
Belt positioning booster seat |
SEAT POSITION |
Rear-facing only |
Forward-facing |
Forward-facing |
ALWAYS MAKE SURE: |
Children to one year and at least 20 lbs. in rear-facing seats
Harness straps at or below shoulder level |
Harness straps should be at or above shoulders
Most seats require top slot for forward-facing |
Belt positioning booster seats must be used with both lap and shoulder belt.
Make sure the lap belt fits low and tight across the lap/upper thigh area and the shoulder belt fits snug crossing the chest and shoulder to avoid abdominal injuries |
WARNING |
All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat |
All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat |
All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat |
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| Pedestrian Safety |
The Education component of the pedestrian program involves getting the pedestrian safety message to all members of the community, with a special emphasis on three high-risk groups: children, senior citizens and non-English speaking residents.
The Enforcement component involves targeted police patrols at high pedestrian-crash locations in the community. During these patrols warnings and summonses are issued to motorists and pedestrians who's actions put pedestrians at risk.
The Engineering component provides traffic engineering assistance such as enhanced crosswalk striping and signs.
The most important pedestrian safety message for New Jersey residents is: Pedestrian Safety is a Shared Responsibility
There is no one cause of crashes involving pedestrians. Pedestrians and motorists must both do their part to keep pedestrians safe.
Pedestrians:
• Always cross at corners, within marked crosswalks where available.
• Look left, right and left again before crossing. Watch for turning cars.
• Obey traffic signals, especially “Walk/Don’t Walk”.
• Remain alert! Don’t assume that cars are going to stop.
• Wear reflective clothing when walking at night.
• Stay sober. Walking while impaired greatly increases your chances of being struck.
Motorists:
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Failure to yield carries a $44 fine and 2 point license penalty (39:4-36).
• Watch for pedestrians when turning right on red.
• Obey speed limits.
• Do not block or park in crosswalks.
• Keep your windshield clean for maximum visibility.
• Be alert for pedestrian at all times.
Children and senior citizens are at a higher risk of being struck by a motor vehicle. Special emphasis must be made to educate children and seniors about the importance of walking safely.
Children:
• Cross at intersections only.
• Never cross from in-between parked cars.
• Before crossing, look left, right and left again and listen for traffic.
• Wear light colored or reflective clothing at night.
• If there is no sidewalk available, walk as far off the roadway as possible on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Avoid playing in driveways or on sidewalks near roadways.
Seniors:
• Walk on sidewalks and cross only at corners, within marked crosswalks.
• Wear bright-colored or reflective clothing, especially at night.
• Look left, right and left again before crossing and be on the lookout for turning vehicles.
• Make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of a vehicle.
• Learn the proper use of “Walk/Don’t Walk” signals.
• Use the buddy system. Walk and cross with others when possible.
• If possible do not walk at night of during bad weather such as snow, rain or ice.
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